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The Stories of Those Flying EAA's B-17 Aluminum Overcast
The B-17G has a remarkable story. One filled with daring missions and personal sacrifice. More than just an airplane, the B-17 is living history that holds a remarkable connection to the past and is the most iconic image of World War II. These are stories of those who have or will come aboard EAA's Aluminum Overcast in 2016.
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May 5, 2016 - We had the honor of talking with Alan Guild this week. He was a Liberator pilot in the 307th Bomb Group, 424th Squadron, The Long Rangers. ‘I arrived to our base on May 26, 1944,’ Guild said. ‘I went to sleep knowing I would have a practice mission or two before a real combat flight. The next morning, I was awakened by my squadron leader. He said ‘You are flying co-pilot with me today so get ready.’ As I got ready and went out to the plane I asked him where his co-pilot was. He replied, ‘Dead. He was killed yesterday.’ ‘The day after I flew my 10th mission, I celebrated my 21st birthday. We had a B-24 in our outfit that no one wanted to fly because the engines would run too hot. I found out by cracking the cowl flaps more that the engines would cool off. So we liked it. We had an artist paint the name Stinky on it because no one wanted it. The crew chief was not a fan of naming it that because he said it was bad luck. We told him he was just superstitious. We flew one mission in it and came back just fine. The next mission a new crew took it out on their first flight, and were rammed by a Kamikaze between the number one and number two engines. Everyone on board was killed.’ Guild would go on to fly 42 missions. He is going to fly on our B-17 Aluminum Overcast when we are in Cincinnati. -
As our B-17 flies from stop to stop, it never ceases to amaze us. The aircraft has the ability to tie generations together. Eugene Viehman was a pilot in the 401st Bomb Group based in Deenethorpe, England. His crew flew multiple different aircraft such as Be Coming Back and Chute the Works; over the span of their 28 missions they formed friendships in the back of their B-17. Viehman survived being shot down on his last mission and returned home. A few years ago, he and his son flew together on our airplane. Sadly, Viehmanhas since passed away, but a new chapter for their family is about to emerge: Viehman’s grandson will fly with us soon in the very airplane that is tied to so much of his family history. What a great way to pay respect to his grandfather and all of the heroes of World War II. -
Jim Stopulos is turning 99 on Friday, April 22, 2016. Recently he had been telling his family and friends of a special wish. He wanted to fly on the aircraft he commanded during World War II one more time: the B-17. During WWII Stopulos flew 30 missions as a pilot of the famous bomber in the 94th Bomb Group, 332nd Bomb Squadron. He flew two missions on D-Day. “When we got up in the air, there were more airplanes than I’d ever seen in my life! It almost blotted out the sun," he said. "When we got over the English Channel, it was covered with ships, it was a sight I’ll never forget.” His neighbor saw an advertisement that EAA’s B-17 Aluminum Overcast would be taking to the skies over Davenport, Iowa, at the end of April, and placed a call to the EAA. We are proud to say that when our B-17 takes off in Iowa, Stopulos will be onboard. Upon hearing the news that he was going up again, Stopulos couldn’t believe his ears. His family was equally emotional and they plan to attend as well. -
Jim Stopulos is turning 99 on Friday, April 22, 2016. Recently he had been telling his family and friends of a special wish. He wanted to fly on the aircraft he commanded during World War II one more time: the B-17. During WWII Stopulos flew 30 missions as a pilot of the famous bomber in the 94th Bomb Group, 332nd Bomb Squadron. He flew two missions on D-Day. “When we got up in the air, there were more airplanes than I’d ever seen in my life! It almost blotted out the sun," he said. "When we got over the English Channel, it was covered with ships, it was a sight I’ll never forget.” His neighbor saw an advertisement that EAA’s B-17 Aluminum Overcast would be taking to the skies over Davenport, Iowa, at the end of April, and placed a call to the EAA. We are proud to say that when our B-17 takes off in Iowa, Stopulos will be onboard. Upon hearing the news that he was going up again, Stopulos couldn’t believe his ears. His family was equally emotional and they plan to attend as well.
Throughout the 2016 tour season, we will highlight stories in this gallery of those who ride on our B-17. All photos belong to the veterans, families, or bomb groups. Visit www.B17.org for more information on our tour or to take a flight.
